Cal Football: Instant Analysis – Bears begin Northwestern prep

After two weeks of first and second-teamers competing against each other, Cal finally decided to switch things up and start its game preparation for Northwestern.

The Golden Bears did scout team work Monday, which put the offense and defense on separate sides of the field working against mock-Northwestern looks formed by the third and fourth-stringers.

The new practice format does two things: 1) It gives the team extra time to prepare for the first game schematically, and, 2) It decreases the intensity, giving players a chance to recover their bodies as the season approaches.

Sebastian addresses the media

Following practice, Avery Sebastian spoke to the media for the first time since his injury, and after thanking everyone for their prayers and support, he finally provided clarity of what really happened.

When asked if he was officially diagnosed with a concussion, Sebastian replied with a simple “yes.”

“I’m feeling better,” the junior safety said. “I’m going through tests and calming my symptoms right now. I’m getting a lot of rest. I would love to play whenever, but I just want to make sure I’m fully healthy and can get on the field safely.”

Sebastian could not provide a timetable for his return, but added that Damariay Drew, who is taking reps as the starting strong safety in his place, is filling the void well.

“Damariay is doing great,” Sebastian said. “Ever since day one, he’s always been contributing. This year he’s going to contribute on defense as well as special teams. He’s a great player and a key player that we absolutely need.”

Injury Report

Sione Sina (knee), Jacobi Hunter (shoulder), Adrian Lee (ankle), and Trey Cheek (hamstring) sat out today. All four were working out with the strength coaches on the sideline.

Nick Forbes and Khairi Fortt practiced for the second day in a row. Both were limited and spent time working with the second-team defense.

Harrison Wilfley was back in action today. He appears to making a push for one of the backup defensive tackle spots.

Brennan Scarlett will see a doctor tomorrow to see if his hand is healed and if he can participate in contact drills.

Extra Points

The offense worked on two-minute drills against the defense in the lone team period Monday, and both the first and second team drove down the field and scored a touchdown.

Austin Hinder worked with the scout team today to help give the defense a better look. According to offensive coordinator Tony Franklin, Hinder did so voluntarily because he felt it was his best chance to improve.

Dykes said that the gameplan against Northwestern will involve a lot of nickel formations on defense (five defensive backs, two linebackers), so the linebacker injuries are not a huge concern right now. Jalen Jefferson and Michael Barton were the first-team linebackers in the nickel set, but expect Forbes or Fortt to take Barton’s place by the time the season starts.

Joel Willis has switched back to the defensive side of the ball after moving to wide receiver in the offseason. Dykes said he wants to see him on the field somewhere and they will try him out at cornerback and on various special teams units.

Dykes said there will be no more full-contact scrimmages leading up to the first game.